Get out the shades. The future looks bright.

Last week, I had a first-hand opportunity to see the next workforce generation in action, and I am impressed. Now, my hope is that we can reimagine the workplace – and the application and hiring process – to get ready for these talented next-generation employees.

 In Kansas City, we are fortunate to have the Real World Learning initiative, which is designed to give high school students real-world experience before they leave high school. The program combines engaged students with interaction and partnership from businesses and people interested in mentoring the next generation of talent. The results are impressive. I met one student who has already started two businesses and has big plans for her future. And I heard from another who started a non-profit, and yet another who participated in a law internship that changed his future plans. 

Then, I participated in the “presentation and oral defense” of a full-year Advanced Placement Research course that @Doug Weaver taught this year. The students' research ranged from the heat island effect of KCMO to how anxiety affects performance and the closing of Guantanamo Bay. As I listened to each student do an amazing job of framing their research and presenting their projects, I kept thinking about the companies that could use this type of thinking for projects in their business.

These students are your future workforce. If you don’t have the supply of talent you need to staff or have predicted shortages coming up, investing in getting students interested in your industry will pay huge dividends in the future. How can your organization engage with high school students? Don’t be afraid to welcome these students into your workplace. I think you will be surprised at what they can add! Check out the Real World Learning site and consider sponsoring a client-connected project.